By:

BETHESDA, Md. — At this time a year ago, Jordan Spieth was playing a couple of PGA Tour events for nothing more than experience and gearing up for a summer of amateur golf before returning to Texas for the start of his sophomore season.

Golf is a job now, and it's even more fun.

The 19-year-old Texan describes this summer as "free swinging," and it's not a bad place to be. He started the season in January with no guaranteed place to play, and he already is assured of a PGA Tour card when the new season starts in October.